Wrapping for tree root balls

ABSTRACT

A wrapping for the earth ball of a tree to be moved consists of a circumferential belt inflated against the ball for tight compressive engagement, to prevent loosening of the earth or the contained tree root structure. The inflatable belt, made in sections if desired, has means for tying it in place and preferably means for holding or encasing at least parts of the upper and lower ball surfaces. A supplemental, inflated collar, secured to the main, wrapped belt, aids in maintaining the integrity of the trunk and roots with the ball.

United States Patent Williams [54] WRAPPING FOR TREE ROOT BALLS [21]Appl. No.: 7,472

[52] US. Cl. ..47/37, 206/D1G. 30, 217/52 [51] Int. Cl ..A01g 23/04 [58]Field of Search ..217/35, 52-53;

47/37, 23, 34; 206/D1G. 30, 46 FR; 37/3 56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 2,028,060 1/1936 Gilbert ..47/23 1,113,350 10/1914 lnman..47/37X 835,585 11/1906 Uffman.... ..47/37 2,140,996 12/1938 Heifetz..47/37 X 2,363,249 1 H1944 Hutchinson ..206/D1G. 30 2,462,215 2/1949Norman et al ..206/DlG 30 [151 3,634,970 [4 1 Jan. 18,1972

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 60,036 9/1954 France ..217/52 1,551,89511/1968 France ..206/D1G. 30

[57] ABSTRACT A wrapping for the earth ball of a tree to be movedconsists of a circumferential belt inflated against the ball for tightcompressive engagement, to prevent loosening of the earth or thecontained tree root structure. The inflatable belt, made in sections ifdesired, has means for tying it in place and preferably means forholding or encasing at least parts of the upper and lower ball surfaces.A supplemental, inflated collar, secured to the main, wrapped belt, aidsin maintaining the integrity of the trunk and roots with the ball.

15 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJMIBHIZ 3,634,970

SHEET 2 0F 4 I N V E N TOR. Mom 45 M1 1 #1 MS PATENTEDJnuzsm 30634870SHEET 3 UF 4 I N VENTOR. Mom/15 Mu MMS WSW A 7 r0 lPA/EV WRAPPING FORTREE ROOT BALLS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates tothe wrapping or encasing of root balls of trees or the like and is moreparticularly directed to apparatus or devices, and methods involvedtherewith, to provide a tightly secured wrapping around the root ball ofa tree that is being or has been removed from its place of growth.

In conventional nursery and like practice, trees and similar articlessuch as large shrubs are removed, transported or otherwise handled bydigging the tree out in such way that a large mass of earth,conveniently called a ball, remains compacted around the roots or rootstructure. When the tree is replanted, this ball is embedded in theground at the desired locality, and if the ball has been relativelyundisturbed, the tree, with appropriate care, continues to live and growas if it had not been displaced.

Usual practice in excavating the earth ball involves maintaining it inas complete and compacted condition as possible, by applying a suitablewrapping, usually of burlap or similar fabric, which is arranged tocover the sides, bottom and at least part of the top of the earth mass.The wrapping is secured in place with suitable cord, roper or wire boundaround the burlap wrapping and fastened as tightly as possible. This isoften a cumbersome and difficult operation, especially with an earthball of large dimensions as required for a correspondingly large tree.

Even when such a wrapping has been applied with due skill, trouble maybe encountered and damage to or substantial breakup of the root ball mayresult. The tied wrapping tends to loosen as the balled tree is movedabout or as it is carried in a truck or as the earth composing the ballmay dry out and crumble. Any impairment of the compacted and coheringnature of the ball induces loosening of the wrapping, and this in turnaggravates the effect of any blow or mechanical disarrangement, in suchfashion that progressive deterioration of the ball takes place.Successful replanting of the tree or shrub, however, often depends onkeeping the root ball essentially intact; if the earth is badly loosenedaway from the complex root structure, it is frequently impossible toplant the tree properly, or for it to survive in its new locality.

Accordingly the present invention is designed to provide an improvedwrapping for root balls of the character described, which is relativelysimple to apply and affords an unusually snug encasing of the earthmass, so as to keep it in firm, compacted condition, over long periodsand despite the usual or even relatively rough handling to which theremoved tree and its ball may be subjected. Other objects include theprovision of a novel apparatus or structure for wrapping root balls,which may be used many times, as well as to afford expedited procedureforgetting the root ball into wrapped state, and likewise for removingthe wrapping, advantageously at the latest possible time in the courseof replanting the tree or shrub. Still further objects and advantagesare set forth or apparent hereinbelow in connection with the describedembodiments of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To the foregoing and other ends, the improvedapparatus or device of the invention comprises inflatable wrapping meansfor the root ball of a tree or the like, dimensioned and arranged sothat when it is wrapped and secured around such ball and is suitablyinflated by air or other appropriate gas under pressure, theroot-containing mass is not only protectively encased, but is maintainedin firm, more or less compacted condition. In particularly advantageousembodiments of the invention, the wrapping means comprises an inflatablebelt, of durable and sufficiently impermeable sheet material, such as animpregnated fibrous fabric or reinforced, flexible plastic, which isshaped and dimensioned to be wrapped around the root ball, i.e.,circumferentially about the peripheral vertical surface in a mannercoaxial with the trunk or the like of the tree, the structure alsohaving or utilizing appropriate means for securing the belt in thiswrapped relation. The structure is thus such that with the surroundingbelt secured in place, by the fastening means, inflation of the enclosedregion or regions of the belt structure compresses the wrapping in placeagainst the surface of the ball of earth or the like, so that the massis much more firmly held against any tendency to disintegrate or comeapart than is normally possible with conventional wrappings of burlap orlike material.

Advantageously the belt or like structure may have integral flaps orsimilar parts which can be carried across the bottom of the ball andalso brought over at least the outer portions of the uppermost surfacearea, again preferably with suitable straps, cords or like securingmeans so as to coact in covering and indeed tightly encasing theseregions as well. In a presently contemplated, preferred embodiment, thebelt or wrapping comprises one or preferably a plurality of elongated,enclosed regions, i.e., bounded by pliant and advantageously somewhatelastic material, to provide the inflatable character, these regions orcavities being dimensioned so that they approximately completelysurround the root ball or body in wrapped state of the belt.

In accordance with notably effective procedure of the invention, thebelt in deflated condition is wrapped around the sides of the ball, thestrap, cords or other fastening means are secured to hold it tightly inplace, and from an appropriate source or other means, air under pressureis supplied to the enclosed areas, thereby firmly inflating the belt sothat upon completion, with the air retained by suitable valve structure,a snug and rugged wrapping is effectuated, compressibly and conformablyengaging the earth mass. With the end coverings secured, preferablybefore inflation or before completion of inflation, the tree is insatisfactory condition for handling, removal, transportation, storageand/or ultimate disposition for replanting.

The wrapping not only covers the ball and root structure in normalprotective manner, but in effect positively engages or compresses theearth surfaces and also, by reason of the inherent elasticity of theinflated regions, absorbs impacts or other shocks or forces that arepractically unavoidable in normal handling. When the tree is to bereplanted, the wrapped ball is disposed in the required excavated regionand the wrapping is readily removed, with deflation if necessary,leaving the earth ball in sufficiently self-sustaining condition so thatthe usual backfilling is facilitated and replanting is completed withoutdamage to the integrity of the root structure or its earth-supportingsituation. The disadvantages and difficulties of conventional wrappingprocedures are thus overcome and not only is the entire operationfacilitated but loss of trees upon replanting, due to root damage, isobviated or greatly minimized.

As will be understood, reference to trees herein is intended to include,unless otherwise specified, like articles such as shrubs and bushes forwhich a root-containing ball is provided to permit transplanting, i.e.,an earth or like mass that requires to be held in firm and protectivecondition. Moreover, while the described root-supporting masses of earthor the like are conventionally called root balls or earth balls, theirshape need not be truly or closely spherical, but may be somewhatcylindrical or oblate, or often at their sides tapering in a conicalmanner from a large upper diameter, where the trunk or branchesprotrude, to a lesser diameter at the bottom. Indeed the belt or otherwrapping may desirably be preshaped to accommodate, roughly, a preferredconfiguration of the socalled ball. Further features and characteristicsof the inven tion are set forth in connection with particularembodiments thereof, e.g., as shown in the drawings and describedhereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a wrappingbelt pursuant to the invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively vertical sections on lines 2- 2 and 3-3ofFIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view showing the manner of applyingthe wrapping of FIG. 1 to a root ball ofa tree;

FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective view of the ball wrapped with thebelt of FIGS. 1 to 4, after securing and inflation;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are respectively horizontal and vertical sections of thewrapped ball of FIG. 5, on lines 6-6 and 7-7;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are respectively top plan and bottom views of the wrappedball of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a simplified perspective view, taken from the bottom, ofanother embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a section on line 1 l1l of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an embodiment using sections, of which oneappears in plan in FIG. 12 and an inflated assembly in FIG. 13; and

FIGS. 14 and 15 are views corresponding to FIGS. 8 and 4, showingcertain supplemental features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 9 inclusive, theillustrated embodiment of the new wrapping means comprises an elongatedflexible sheet body 20, designed to be wrapped as a completelyencircling and encasing belt around a root ball and constructed to havean enclosed space 22 which is preferably substantially coextensive withthe vertical peripheral surface of the ball and which is designed to beinflated. Although this enclosed space or region 22 may be of a simple,large, unitary character along and across the belt, or may be dividedinto compartments in a variety of other ways, vertically or horizontally, it is shown as constituted by a plurality oflengthwise extendingpockets or cavities 23, 24, 25 opening into a central communicatingregion 26, for better distribution and uniformity of inflation. Threesuch elongated spaces are shown, but it will be understood that greateror lesser numbers may be employed, depending in part on the dimensionsof the wrapping. A suitable nipple or inflating tube 28 opens into andprojects outwardly from the enclosed space system, having a valve andconnecting fitting 29, which may be of a conventional type forinflatable devices, so that a tube from a pump or other source of gasunder pressure can be connected, and the device will retain the admittedair or other gas by check valve action, the valve being releasable whendesired, one suitable structure being an automobile tire valve.

The belt body advantageously includes an upper, integral section 30,preferably in the nature of a flap extending along the top surface asshown, designed to overlap areas at the top of the root ball. Flap meansare also very preferably provided at the bottom, including for example alarge central flap 32, of the flexible material, which may be ofcircular configuration but attached to the body at one side 33, forcovering the bottom of the ball. Various means may be included forholding such bottom covering in place, one example comprisinglongitudinal flaps 34, 35 along the bottom of the body, e.g., at regionsrespectively extending from near the center to the ends when the flap 32is attached at a central region.

As indicated, the body 20 with its several, preferably integral flapportions is made of pliant sheet material, i.e., a flexible fabric whichmay be basically either a fibrous, e.g., woven material, suitablyimpregnated, or a plastic sheet, preferably reinforced by embeddedparticulate or fibrous substances, in all cases the sheet body being ofatough and rugged nature, yet sufficiently flexible and elastic to atleast a limited degree for the described conforming, compressive fitafter being secured and inflated. For instance, suitably woven Nylon(polyamide fiber) fabric, which is impregnated or otherwise treated tobe gas impermeable, is available for inflatable structures and appearswell suited for articles of the present invention, but a variety offlexible sheet fabrics, of tough and pliant character are also known; ingeneral any of various such materials, selected for properties ofstrength and ruggedness may be used, as heretofore employed for sucharticles as inflatable mattresses, rafts, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 the cavity or pocket regions 23, 24, and 26are constituted by separated walls of the flexible fabric, thepartitions between adjacent regions, as at 37, 38 being formed by heatsealing or otherwise appropriate joining of the plastic content or bodyof the fabric sheets, again in a manner known for other inflatablearticles. The flap elements 30, 32, 34 and 35 may preferably be singlethicknesses of the selected sheet material or alternatively constitutedby extensions of the two layers which are separated at the cavities andat the flap localities arejoined in suitable face-to-face relation.

The wrapping means 20 is shaped and dimensioned for approximateconformity with the shape and size of root ball to be encased. Thus inpractice, wrappings of the present novel character may be manufacturedin a series of sizes, appropriate for corresponding root balldimensions, it being then feasible in practice for nurserymen utilizingthe devices to form or excavate root balls for various sizes of trees inready conformity with a suitably selected one of the available wrappingdimensions. While ball masses of roughly spherical or cylindrical shapecan be employed, and the boundary contour of the wrapping belt 20correspondingly designed to fit, the presently convenient practice isthat the root ball have conical, i.e., generally frustoconical, shape,tapering to a somewhat smaller diameter near the bottom. In consequencethe illustrated belt 20 is shown with a convexly curved upper edge alongthe flap 30 and concavely curved bottom edge along the flaps 3435, withappropriate downwardly inclined tenninal edges 40,41 at the sides, i.e.,such that when the belt is wrapped into the form of a curved surface ofrevolution, with the edges 40, 41 overlapping, it will naturallyconstitute a complete segment ofa conical surface. The flap means forthe bottom, here principally constituted by the single, large flap 32,are shaped and dimensioned to cover the lower part of the ball, e.g.,the somewhat bulging, under surface of the earth mass.

As will now be seen, the wrapping structure, of which the outer side isshown in FIG. I, is very easily applied around a formed root ball insuitable manner, for instance as shown in FIG. 4. Here a tree 42 havinga trunk 43 has been prepared with a root-supporting earth ball 44, byappropriate excavation ofa considerably larger cavity 45 in the groundsurrou nding the tree. The elongated beltlike sheet structure 20 is thendirectly wrapped around the more or less compacted ball mass, in whichhas been somewhat conically shaped as explained above, so that the edge41 substantially overlaps the edge 40 ad the side regions of the ball,which can be conveniently considered its peripheral vertical surface,directly underlie the elongated inflatable cavities 23, 24 and 25 of thewrapping. As more fully explained below, the upper flap structure 30 isbrought over at least the outer part areas at the top of the ball, whilein initial phase of the wrapping process, the lower flap means is notfully positioned, the bottom flap 32 being temporarily left to protrudeat one side. With the belt in place around the ball, it is secured bysuitable fastening means, in relatively tight condition and verydesirably at a plurality of vertically spaced regions, e.g., at severallevels extending circumferentially around the mass. The securing meansmay be embodied in various ways, i.e., as straps, tapes, cords, chainsor other flexible elements, including suitable provision for fastening,whether by buckles, friction fasteners or simple tying, a notablyadvantageous arrangement in most cases being some attachment or likeassociation of the securing means with the belt itself for simplicity ofutilization. Simply for illustration of one of various appropriateembodiments, the device of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of strong tapesor straplike members 46 fastened at spaced localities along one verticalend 41 of the wrapping belt, such tapes being designed to coact withloops, hooks or other fastening means adjacent the opposite end of thebelt, here exemplified by a similarly spaced set of flexible loops 48secured to the outer face of the sheet material, both the loops and thestraps being, for instance, of tough webbing, cord or the like.Advantageously the fastening means are disposed near the top and bottomof the array of inflatable cavities and also at intermediate localitiesas for instance aligned with the longitudinal center line ofeachinflatable region.

Thus for example, when the wrapping belt is pulled tightly around theroot ball as shown in FIG. 4, the tapes 46 are respectively secured tothe corresponding loops 48 and fastened in place as by tying a firm knotin each tape. The tied relation, not yet completed in FIG. 4, is shownby the several knots 49 in FIG. 5 and other views. Although in somecases the wrapping belt may be preinflated, i.e., before the wrappingand fastening operation, special advantage and convenience appears toreside in first securing the belt in place in a deflated state (FIG. 4),and fastening it firmly about the earth mass of the ball, beforeinflating the interior of the belt. Inflation may be accomplished in anyappropriate manner as by connection from compressed air tanks orcontainers or cartridges of other compressed gas such as carbon dioxideor with the aid of a motor-driven pump or compressor. Simply forillustration, FIG. 4 shows a manually operated air pump 50 having adelivery hose 51 which is connected to the inlet valve 29, whereupon thebelt is pumped up by the device 50. Effective inflation of the wrappingis usually to be expected with the attainment of no more than moderatepressure, although it is apparent that the actual degree of pressure tobe reached is readily judged by the firm state of the inflated regions23, 24 and 25, indicating desirably compressive contact of the wrappingagainst the earth surface of the ball. The inflating means is thenremoved and the wrapping is suitably completed at top and bottom of theball as desired.

At the top of the wrapping, suitable securing means may be provided todraw together the overlapped portions of the flap 30. Again, forexample, such means may include a series of grommets spaced along theflap 30, so that a heavy cord 53 or the like may be passed back andforth between substantially opposite grommets as at 54, 54, 54, the cordbeing drawn tight and fastened as shown at the knob 55. An arrangementof this sort readily accommodates the trunk 43 or other verticallyprotruding branch structure, while securing the upper part of thewrapping.

Theperipherally wrapped ball can then be tipped over or elevated andremoved, i.e., into a position (not shown) exposing the bottom, so thatthe lower flap means can be secured in place across the latter. Forinstance, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the narrow flaps 34, 35 are broughtover the edges of the bottom surface, while the main covering flap 32 ispulled across the entire bottom and tucked under the flaps 34, 35 Again,suitable securing means are utilized, shown simply for example as aseries of grommets 56 along the flaps 34, 35 and a tape loop 57 or thelike at the attached side of the flap 32. Thus a stout cord 58 iscarried back and forth between opposite grommets and between the latterand the loop 57, being ultimately drawn tight and secured with a knot,so that the bottom covering is thus laced firmly in position. Asindicated, the bottom of the ball can be shaped to bulge downward,whereby the covering assembly including particularly the flap 32 is heldin relatively firm engagement. Although it is presently contemplatedthat inflation of the cavities 23, 24 and 25 can be completed beforesecuring the top and bottom end flaps, it may in some cases beconvenient to fasten the latter before pumping up the belt.Alternatively the inflation may be partially finished, sufficient tohold the ball while the assembly is gently turned on its side, whereuponthe bottom fastening is effected. The top fastening also being achieved,inflation is completed to final pressure very firmly tightening theentire assembly against the earth surface of the ball.

As apparent, FIGS. 5 to 9 inclusive illustrate the completely wrappedand inflated condition of the structure, with the cavities 23, 24 and25, and likewise the vertical connecting cavity 26, well expanded andthe entire assembly in firm and indeed preferably compressive engagementwith the earth mass. As is intended to be shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, theinflated wrapping thus in fact conforms tightly with essentially theentire peripheral surface of the ball, and does so preferably with somecompression, especially at all regions laterally of the axis ofthe tree42 or its trunk 43. Thus the ball, which is originally shaped to havethe natural coherence ofa more or less moist earth mass, firmlyretaining the relation of the earth to the growing and in considerablepart delicate root structure indicated at 60, is snugly held in itsdesired shape, and is in fact supported, essentially all over itssurface, against mechanical derangement, cracking or breaking away. Atthe same time the elastic nature of the inflated regions of wrappingaflords substantial shock-absorbing function, thus further and verysignificantly protecting the root package. With the ball so wrapped andheld, the tree can be very easily handled, transported by truck or othercarrier, and stored for periods as necessary. It may be very easilydeposited in the necessary excavation at a new site, i.e., forreplanting, whereupon the several securing means are simply unfastened,at sides, top and bottom, and the entire wrapping removed as a unit.Since the ball has been kept compressed, it tends to retain its shapeand integrity when uncovered, thus simplifying completion of the taskwith necessary backfill, The desired objects of the invention aretherefore fully achieved, facilitating the handling and transporting oftrees and their root balls, with elimination or minimization of damageto or loss of trees.

As will be noted from FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the wrapping belt 20 and theroot ball are mutually dimensioned, in this preferred embodiment, sothat the inflated regions, such as the cavity 24, in effect completelysurround the ball in fitting relation without substantial overlap. Insuch situation, it is believed that maximum protection for the ballsurface is attained. As previously indicated, the wrapping means can bemanufactured in a number of predetermined sizes, appropriate for rootballs of corresponding diameter, it being readily feasible to adjust theactual diameter of a given ball in minor extent, to suit a chosen,nominal size for which the wrapping has been selected to correspond. Itwill also be noted that the wrapping means or apparatus can be built toaccommodate even extremely large and heavy root balls, especially inthat the method of wrapping is relatively simple to perform and theinflated nature of the final condition can be amply sufficient for firmretention of the ball in the belt.

Certain modifications are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, as for examplein that the belt 60 may in some cases be made sufficiently long so thatthe inflated bands 63, 64 and 65 may even substantially overlap in acircumferential relation. While this arrangement may depart fromcomplete conformity in small measure, fewer sizes of wrapping belt maybe required for variation in root ball dimension. The securing means, asindicated above, may also embody different forms, e.g., as here simplyindicated by straps 66 completely surrounding the belt, withappropriately tightened fastenings 67.

In FIG. 10, the complete bottom flap 72 is shown as positioned at theexterior, overlying the edge flaps of the wrapping (not here shown) andas being secured by a plurality of cords or straps 74, carried fromgrommets 75 around the flap 72 up along the sides of the wrapping to betied or otherwise retained at upper localities 77 of the assembly. Thewrapping of FIGS. 10 and 11 is applied in essentially the same way asthat of FIGS. I to 9, for similar attainment of a securely encased rootball.

FIGS. 12 and 13 shown an embodiment where the wrapping belt is made insections 80, designed to be connected endwise so that the completewrapping around a tree ball consists of two or more such sections incircumferential succession. This arrangement is particularly suitablefor very large earth balls, FIG. 13 showing a wrapped and inflated bandconsisting of three sections 80, illustration of the earth ball itselfbeing omitted for simplicity.

As before, any of various tying or wrapping means may be employed but byway of further example the belt section 80 in FIG. 12 simply has a rowof grommets 82, 84 along its corresponding end flaps 83, 85, andgrommets 86, 87 along the upper and lower flap regions respectively. Aswill be understood, suitable lacing or tying means are employed, formutual attachment of successive end flaps and for holding the beltacross the top and bottom of the tree ball, such means being omittedfrom FIG. 13, for clarity. Each section 80 is inflatable, in the samemanner and for the same purpose as the embodiments described above, andmay thus include three longitudinal pockets 88, 89 and 90, to which airunder pressure is supplied by a branch hose section 92 having openingsas at 93 into the respective cavities. The branch 92 extends from adistributing section 95 of hose or like tubing which extends the lengthof the belt section, for example near the top as shown. The ends of thehose element 95 have coupling members 96, 97 respectively designed forconnection with corresponding members of the hose lengths in adjacentsections.

Thus as assembled around a tree ball and with the three sections 80 tiedtogether, the hose portions 95 are successively coupled as at 96-97,coupling a conduit around the wrapping and including as at the coupling96a-97 a suitable nipple or inflating tube 99 for attachment to a sourceof air or equivalent gas under pressure.

The device of FIGS. 12 and 13 is employed in essentially the same way asthe other embodiments except that the belt comprises a plurality ofsections, which may indeed be of uniform design, so that some rangeoftree balls may be accommodated as by using various numbers ofsections. Air introduced into the nipple 99 is conducted through theconnected hose or pipe sections 95 and serves to inflate the pockets88-90 in each belt portion, by means of the branch hose lines 92. Aswill be appreciated, accommodation to minor dimensional variations ofthe earth masses is attainable by varying overlap of the end flaps 83,85, the hose elements 95 being ofsufficient flexibility so that at theircoupled regions they may bow outward more or less as needed to accountfor the actual circumference. Alternatively, the sections 80 may beconstructed to be separately inflated, exactly as the section 20 of FIG.1, thereby dispensing with the continuing hose or conduit arrangement.

Some additional features are illustrated in FIGS. 14 an where the mainwrapping belt 100 is basically identical with the belt of FIG. 1,although it may, of course, be constructed in sections in the manner ofFIGS. 12 and 13. There is provided, however, a separate, inflatablecollar 102 which is designed to surround the tree trunk 104 at its base,immediately above the earth ball. This collar may comprise a singlebelt-shaped element of an impregnated fabric or the like, i.e.,identical with the main belt, and including a single inflatable cavitywhich has a suitable nipple 105 for a supply of air under pressure. Thelower edge of the collar has a flap structure, here shown as of ascalloped shape, providing outward tabs 106 to abut the top ofthe earthball.

The upper flap of the belt 100 may likewise embody tabs 108, the tabs inboth wrappings being provided with grommets so that the assembly can belaced together and tightened, by a cord 110, tied at 111.

In this instance, the main belt 100 is provided with supplementalattaching or hauling means consisting of upper and lower tabs 112, 114,attached to or integral with the belt and made ofsuitably heavy fabricso that they project radially outward from the wrapping, as shown.Conveniently these are located at or near one end 115 of the wrapping.The tabs 112 and 114 have corresponding large grommets 116, 118,appropriate for attaching heavy rope, cable or the like. A similar,projecting tab 120 is arranged on the collar 102, e.g., near the endflap 121, and has a like, relatively large grommet 122. As will beappreciated, grommeted tabs of this kind may be employed with any or allof the belt structures of the invention, for like purposes.

The main belt 100 of FIGS. 14 and 15 is applied in the manner previouslyexplained, being appropriately inflated, through the nipple 124, fortight, compressive engagement with the underlying tree ball. The collar102 is also wrapped around the trunk, and tied in place as shown, beinglikewise inflated for holding conformity with the trunk. The collar thusaids in securing the complete wrapping around the ball and in properplace relative to the trunk, while further retaining the latter againstsidewise displacement, either so as to loosen the roots in the ball orso as to rock the ball within the wrapping. The better protection andhousing of the tree ball and its associatcd trunk, afforded by thissupplemental structure, is desirable in many cases, depending on thesize and nature of tree and ofits root configuration.

The several, projecting tab elements 112, 114 and 120 afford improvedmeans for positioning and lifting the packaged tree, as for instance bya line connected to the lower grommet 118, running to a suitable winchfor moving the assembly more or less laterally. The upper grommet 116,together with the grommet 122 if desired, may serve a similar function,and can be particularly effective in lifting the tree, to remove thelatter from its original location and to deposit it in a new place, aswith a line or lines running from the grommets to a hoist.

Reverting to the structure of the collar 102, it includes, of course,suitable means, as in part indicated at 125, for tying or otherwisesecuring it in place against inflation. The means for securing the mainbelt is likewise in part indicated at 126.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificstructures and operations herein shown and described but may be carriedout in other ways without departure from its spirit.

Iclaim:

1. In a transplanting balling device that comprises a belt of fabricwhich has free ends and is shaped and dimensioned to be wrapped aroundthe peripheral vertical surface of the ball of earth and roots, andwhich is provided with securing means for tightening the belt about theball: the structure, in combination in said device, which comprisesinflatable, fabricwalled cavity means in said belt, extendingsubstantially throughout the belt and disposed for snug, compressiveengagement of the wrapped belt against said peripheral ball surface whenthe cavity means is in inflated condition, said belt having fabricportions which are connected thereto at the top and bottom regionsthereof for at least partially overlapping the top and bottom surfacesofthe ball and which are provided with means for holding said portionsin said overlapping positions when the belt is wrapped around the ball.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, in which the fabric connected withsaid belt at the lower portion thereofincludes flap means forsubstantially covering the bottom areas of the ball, said flap meanshaving means for securing same over said areas when the belt is securedabout the ball.

3. A device as defined in claim 1, in which the inflatable cavity meanscomprises a plurality of inflatable cavities extending lengthwise in thebelt and collectively arranged for substantially covering saidperipheral ball surface.

4. A device as defined in claim 3, in which the securing means comprisesmeans attached to the belt for drawing it, before inflation, firmlyabout said peripheral ball surface at a plurality of vertically spacedcircumferential regions, for snug engagement of the belt substantiallythroughout said surface, upon inflation.

5. A device as defined in claim 4, in which said fabric connected at thebottom region of the belt includes flap means attached to and extendingfrom the belt and shaped to cover the entirety of the bottom area of theball.

6. A device as defined in claim 1, for a root ball of approximatelyfrustoconical shape with the bottom smaller than the top, in which thebelt has a boundary configuration, including arcuate upper and loweredges, for conformity with said frustoconical ball shape when wrappedaround the ball.

7. A device as defined in claim 6, in which said inflatable cavity meanscomprises a plurality of elongated inflatable cavities arranged toextend, parallel with each other, around the periphery of the ball inwrapped condition, each of said cavities being substantially coextensivewith the circumference of the ball at the locality thereofwhich itengages.

8. A device as defined in claim 1, in which the inflatable beltcomprises a plurality ofinflatable belt sections each having inflatable,fabric-walled cavity means and having means for endwise connection andshaped to cover successive circumferential portions of said verticalball surface when held by said securing means in circumferentiallydisposed relation.

9. A device as defined in claim 8, in which each of the inflatablesections includes a flexible air conduit having provision for directingair into said section for inflation thereof, the conduit of each sectionhaving coupling means at its ends for connection to a conduit of anadjacent section, to provide inflation of the entire belt uponintroduction of air into the conduit means.

10. A device as defined in claim 1, which includes means connected toand projecting from the belt and comprising a connecting element whichcan be engaged by connecting means for moving and positioning thewrapped ball.

11. A method of wrapping a root ball of a tree or the like, comprisingwrapping around the vertical periphery of the ball an elongated flexiblesheet body having enclosed space which is to be inflated andsubstantially covers the surface of said periphery, securing said bodyin wrapped position, and inflating said space for compressive,conforming engagement of the wrapped body with said surface.

12. A method as defined in claim 11, which includes securing in placeagainst and over the bottom of the ball, a flap of sheet material whichextends from a lower part of said sheet body.

13. A method as defined in claim 11 which includes wrapping and tightlysecuring around the trunk of the tree adjacent to the ball a collarhaving enclosed space for inflation, and securing said collar to theaforesaid wrapping around the ball, said method including inflating thecollar so that in secured position it is in compressive, conformingengagement with the trunk.

14. A method of wrapping a root ball of a tree or the like, comprisingwrapping around the vertical periphery of the ball a belt of fabricwhich covers the surface of said periphery and has free ends which areoverlapped in said wrapping, said belt including inflatable,fabric-walled cavities which collectively extend substantiallythroughout the belt, and securing said belt tightly around the ball inwrapped position, said method including inflating said cavity means ofthe belt for compressive, conforming engagement of the wrapped belt withsaid surface.

15. A method as defined in claim 14in which the step ofinflating saidcavity means comprises inflating said means under pressure sufficient toeffect said compressive engagement, after the belt has been wrapped andsecured tightly around the ball.

1. In a transplanting balling device that comprises a belt of fabricwhich has free ends and is shaped and dimensioned to be wrapped aroundthe peripheral vertical surface of the ball of earth and roots, andwhich is provided with securing means for tightening the belt about theball: the structure, in combination in said device, which comprisesinflatable, fabric-walled cavity means in said belt, extendingsubstantially throughout the belt and disposed for snug, compressiveengagement of the wrapped belt against said peripheral ball surface whenthe cavity means is in inflated condition, said belt having fabricportions which are connected thereto at the top and bottom regionsthereof for at least partially overlapping the top and bottom surfacesof the ball and which are provided with means for holding said portionsin said overlapping positions when the belt is wrapped around the ball.2. A device as defined in claim 1, in which the fabric connected withsaid belt at the lower portion thereof includes flap means forsubstantially covering the bottom areas of the ball, said flap meanshaving means for securing same over said areas when the belt is securedabout the ball.
 3. A device as defined in claim 1, in which theinflatable cavity means comprises a plurality of inflatable cavitiesextending lengthwise in the belt and collectively arranged forsubstantially covering said peripheral ball surface.
 4. A device asdefined in claim 3, in which the securing means comprises means attachedto the belt for drawing it, before inflation, firmly about saidperipheral ball surface at a plurality of vertically spacedcircumferential regions, for snug engagement of the belt substantiallythroughout said surface, upon inflation.
 5. A device as defined in claim4, in which said fabric connected at the bottom region of the beltincludes flap means attached to and extending from the belt and shapedto cover the entirety of the bottom area of the ball.
 6. A device asdefined in claim 1, for a root ball of approximately frustoconical shapewith the bottom smaller than the top, in which the belt has a boundaryconfiguration, including arcuate upper and lower edges, for conformitywith said frustoconical ball shape when wrapped around the ball.
 7. Adevice as defined in claim 6, in which said inflatable cavity meanscomprises a plurality of elongated inflatable cavities arranged toextend, parallel with each other, around the periphery of the ball inwrapped condition, each of said cavities being substantially coextensivewith the circumference of the ball at the locality thereof which itengages.
 8. A device as defined in claim 1, in which the inflatable beltcomprises a plurality of inflatable belt sections each havinginflatable, fabric-walled cavity means and having means for endwiseconnection and shaped to cover successive circumferential portions ofsaid vertical ball surface when held by said securing means incircumferentially disposed relation.
 9. A device as defined in claim 8,in which each of the inflatable sections includes a flexible air conduithaving provision for directing air into said section for inflationthereof, the conduit of each section having coupling means at its endsfor connection to a conduit of an adjacent section, to provide inflationof the entire belt upon introduction of air into the conduit means. 10.A device as defined in claim 1, which includes means connected to andprojectiNg from the belt and comprising a connecting element which canbe engaged by connecting means for moving and positioning the wrappedball.
 11. A method of wrapping a root ball of a tree or the like,comprising wrapping around the vertical periphery of the ball anelongated flexible sheet body having enclosed space which is to beinflated and substantially covers the surface of said periphery,securing said body in wrapped position, and inflating said space forcompressive, conforming engagement of the wrapped body with saidsurface.
 12. A method as defined in claim 11, which includes securing inplace against and over the bottom of the ball, a flap of sheet materialwhich extends from a lower part of said sheet body.
 13. A method asdefined in claim 11 which includes wrapping and tightly securing aroundthe trunk of the tree adjacent to the ball a collar having enclosedspace for inflation, and securing said collar to the aforesaid wrappingaround the ball, said method including inflating the collar so that insecured position it is in compressive, conforming engagement with thetrunk.
 14. A method of wrapping a root ball of a tree or the like,comprising wrapping around the vertical periphery of the ball a belt offabric which covers the surface of said periphery and has free endswhich are overlapped in said wrapping, said belt including inflatable,fabric-walled cavities which collectively extend substantiallythroughout the belt, and securing said belt tightly around the ball inwrapped position, said method including inflating said cavity means ofthe belt for compressive, conforming engagement of the wrapped belt withsaid surface.
 15. A method as defined in claim 14 in which the step ofinflating said cavity means comprises inflating said means underpressure sufficient to effect said compressive engagement, after thebelt has been wrapped and secured tightly around the ball.